Besides illuminating the road ahead, car headlights are perceived as stand-ins for the eyes by the human brain. And since “eyes are the windows to one’s soul,” unique car headlights offer the first glimpse of the innovations and quirks a car manifests. Feast your eyes on these 20 cars whose headlights stand out. 

1936 Cord 810/812

Few cars dared to innovate like the Cord 810/812. Its hidden, pop-up headlights were revolutionary in the 1930s and set a trend that would inspire decades of designs. Controlled by a hand-crank, these headlights were as practical as they were stylish, which gave the car an unmistakably sleek and futuristic appearance for its time.

1961 Jaguar E-Type

The E-Type’s long, elegant bonnet and covered headlights gave it a sensual look that matched its performance. These glass-covered lights were designed to improve aerodynamics, and by a happy accident, their sleek silhouette was improved, too. This seamless integration remains an enduring hallmark of one of the most beautiful cars ever made.

1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale

Every component on the 33 Stradale was a masterpiece of engineering, except its headlights, which were pure art. Two elliptical covers framed the lights in a design that echoed the car’s organic curves. The cliche of “form following function” took shape in the essence of 1960s Italian automotive elegance.

1970 Citroën SM

This car brought sophistication to lighting with its self-leveling, swiveling headlights. Citroën’s hydropneumatic suspension turned these lights with the steering to provide an adaptive beam years before modern tech made it mainstream. It was a perfect fit for Citroën’s avant-garde and very French ethos.

1984 Ferrari Testarossa

Angular and aggressive, the Testarossa’s pop-up headlights gave the car an unmistakably bold look that characterized the flamboyance of that decade. Paired with its wide, slatted bodywork, these lights were not just functional but also a statement of 1980s excess. They became an iconic feature of this era-defining supercar.

1990 Mazda Miata (NA)

The first-generation Mazda Miata brought the charm of pop-up headlights to the 90s and paired it with modern reliability. Miata’s simple, round lights popped up with a playful attitude, mirroring the Miata’s fun and approachable driving experience. Essentially, they homaged old British Roadsters with a modern twist.

1999 Nissan Silvia (S15)

Sharp and purposeful, the Silvia S15’s headlights were a defining feature of its aggressive design. These slim, angular lights complemented the car’s streamlined silhouette to make it a favorite among tuners and drifting enthusiasts worldwide. They encapsulated the precision and style of Japanese sports cars.

2000 BMW E39 M5

The E39 M5 introduced BMW’s now-iconic halo headlights, which are both functional and oh-so-stylish. Its glowing rings, designed as daytime running lights, gave the car an identity so distinct that people could often tell what car it was just by looking at the lights in the dark. Obviously, this innovation became the signature look for following BMW models.

2002 Acura RSX

This Acura RSX featured sleek projector headlights that enhanced its sporty, modern look. Positioned to complement the car’s sharp lines, these lights provided excellent visibility while giving the coupe a focused and aggressive expression. It was a design that appealed to both performance enthusiasts and everyday drivers.

2003 Porsche Carrera GT

With its teardrop-shaped headlights, the Carrera GT brought elegance to aerodynamics. The GT’s lights were not just visually striking but also strategically designed to channel airflow. Their placement and shape emphasized the car’s racing heritage while maintaining Porsche’s timeless aesthetic.

2005 Bugatti Veyron

The Veyron’s quad-lamp headlights signaled power and precision. Positioned to frame its aggressive front fascia, these lights balanced the car’s extreme engineering with a sense of sophistication. They illuminated the path for one of the fastest production cars in history—both literally and figuratively.

2008 Audi R8

Audi redefined modern lighting with the R8’s full-LED headlights. As the first production car to feature this technology, the R8’s lights were as groundbreaking as the performance of the car they were fixed on. Their sharp, angular design perfectly complemented the car’s futuristic and aggressive stance.

2012 Tesla Model S

The Model S’s headlights brought a minimalist yet high-tech vibe to electric cars. Their sleek LED design is integrated seamlessly with the car’s aerodynamic body. Tesla’s approach to lighting emphasizes its commitment to innovation and makes the Model S instantly recognizable on the road.

2014 Lamborghini Huracán

Huracán’s Y-shaped LED headlights captured attention with their angular, aggressive look. Echoing Lamborghini’s hexagonal design language, these lights were as menacing as the car’s V10 howl. They underscored the new Lamborghibni’s continued commitment to pushing boundaries in both performance and style.

2016 Aston Martin DB11

With a sleek, swept-back design, the DB11’s LED headlights introduce a modern edge to Aston Martin’s timeless style. Their seamless integration into the sculpted bodywork enhances the car’s aerodynamic profile. Combining traditional craftsmanship with advanced technology, they reflect the brand’s evolution into the future.

2017 McLaren 720S

Inspired by aerodynamic efficiency, the headlights featured dramatic air intakes that doubled as cooling ducts. These lights also mimic the company’s logo to create a design that is as purposeful as it is striking. It highlighted McLaren’s relentless pursuit of innovation in both design and engineering.

2018 Bugatti Chiron

Chiron’s quad-LED headlights were a bold evolution of the Veyron’s design. Slimmer and more angular, they gave the car an even more aggressive demeanor, which is fitting since the Chiron is over 40% more powerful than its predecessor. Beyond aesthetics, these lights also housed advanced cooling systems for the car’s immense powertrain.

2019 Polestar 1

The Polestar 1’s “Thor’s Hammer” headlights made a striking impression. This T-shaped LED design became a hallmark of Volvo’s performance sub-brand, combining Scandinavian minimalism with futuristic appeal. They perfectly framed the coupe’s clean and purposeful aesthetic.

2020 Porsche Taycan

Porsche Taycan’s four-point LED headlights pushed the design language into the electric era. Porsche’s futuristic shape emphasized the car’s leading-edge technology while retaining a connection to its storied heritage. The new four-point lights illuminated the path for Porsche’s electric future.

2023 Lamborghini Revuelto

The Revuelto’s dramatic Y-shaped headlights took Lamborghini’s bold styling to the next level. Integrated into a striking front fascia, they perfectly complemented the hybrid hypercar’s angular design. These lights exemplify Lamborghini’s ability to combine radical aesthetics with groundbreaking technology.